Arts & Sciences Spring 2024

Q: Beyond mentorship, you offer academic support. Why is this important? A : You can’t just say [to a student coming from overseas], “Go take a class.” They need the context of what to expect in an American university. I created a non credit course to help them understand how the university system works and the people they will work with. I also

“We use social media to communicate with

Peer mentor speaking with a group of international students.

parents as well,” LeBeau says. “They are thousands of miles away but they are the students’ number one supporters.”

host weekly online meetings during the summer. Anyone— students and parents—can join and ask questions.

If we notice an outstanding, high-achieving student, we reach out and ask if they’re interested in doing research, for instance. If a student is on academic probation, on the other hand, we reach out to ask how we can help. Q: Aside from reaching out one-on-one, what is your approach to keeping lines of communication open with international students? A : This is key. It’s about developing a relationship with them. Every Monday, I send a succinct international student e-newsletter with just a list of things they need to know that week. Also, we do Instagram, WhatsApp and WeChat. We use social media to communicate with parents as well. They are thousands of miles away but they are the students’ number one supporters. I send them a monthly newsletter, and also host an online meeting once a month to answer any questions.

Read the full story of the A&S | Maxwell international student success program

Steven Schaffling, assistant dean of student success, and LeBeau discuss the program in this Spectrum News story.

Spring 2024

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